WB Law Coffee Co.

WB Law Coffee Co. traces its origins to 1909, when founder Walter Law began roasting coffee in his father George’s barn at their home in Dunellen, New Jersey. Initially, the business operated through a direct-to-consumer model, with Law delivering freshly roasted coffee via a horse-drawn carriage. Over the course of more than 115 years, the company has remained family-owned and operated, currently spanning five generations of leadership.

Headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, the company has evolved significantly from its early days as a local roaster. While it maintains its core identity as a coffee roaster and distributor, its business model has expanded to include a comprehensive suite of services for the foodservice industry. This includes the sale and installation of brewing equipment, ongoing maintenance, and professional barista training focused on brewing techniques and customer service.

Under the leadership of the Mendez family, the company has transitioned into a full-service consultant for its clients. David M. Mendez, serving as CEO and president, has noted that the business shifted from a model primarily focused on coffee sales and equipment loans to a more integrated approach that encompasses marketing, branding, and operational support for restaurants, cafés, delis, and convenience stores.

Sourcing remains a central component of the company's operations. Leadership has historically engaged in international travel to coffee-producing regions in Central and South America, including Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, to evaluate beans and manage supply chains. The company emphasizes its role as an importer and distributor of specialty-grade coffees, maintaining a focus on quality control throughout the roasting process.

In recent years, the company has demonstrated resilience and growth through strategic acquisitions. In August 2020, amidst the operational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, WB Law Coffee Co. acquired Classic Gourmet Coffee, a move intended to expand its customer base and service reach within New Jersey. This acquisition reflects the company's long-term strategy of maintaining its market presence as a legacy brand in the competitive regional coffee landscape.

Today, WB Law Coffee Co. is recognized as the oldest family-founded coffee company in New Jersey and the second oldest in the United States. Its longevity is attributed to its ability to adapt to changing market demands while preserving its multi-generational family heritage. The company continues to operate as a significant supplier to the regional foodservice sector, balancing its historical roots with modern business practices.